Vale dos Ventos Wind Farm
Located on private farming land in the north eastern region of
Mataraca in Paraiba State, Brazil, the 48MW Vale dos Ventos Wind
Farm (or "Valley of Winds") produces enough clean electricity to
power around five per cent of Paraíba State's total
electricity demand - avoiding an estimated 17,000 tonnes of
greenhouse gas emissions per annum.
Construction of the project began in late 2007 creating significant
employment opportunities in the region.
Pacific Hydro continues to invest in local community initiatives,
supporting sustainability and social cohesion. The project has also
created an alternative tourism opportunity in the area and
revegetation programs are helping to support local
biodiversity.
Gaining the support of the community is vital to Pacific Hydro's
process and extensive consultation was undertaken at the site on a
range of important issues including visual amenity, local flora and
fauna and cultural heritage. Pacific Hydro also worked closely with
the local community to minimize disturbance during the construction
phase.
The Vale dos Ventos Wind Farm consists of 60, 800KW wind turbines
which are hosted by five sugar cane farmers. As the generators and
roads that make up the wind farm only take up five percent of land,
farming is able to continue uninterrupted.
** While 75% of Brazil's energy currently comes from hydro electric
power, the Government has recognised the opportunity to take
advantage of other local renewable energy sources, including wind
energy, and is implementing a Renewable Energy Target to encourage
new investment in this area.